Examen de jurados en casos criminales en Virginia

Explicación Simple

Cuando hay un juicio, los jurados deben ser justos y no tener opiniones formadas. El juez y los abogados pueden hacerles preguntas para asegurarse de que puedan decidir sin prejuicios.

Es como preparar una ensalada: necesitas asegurarte de que todos los ingredientes sean frescos y no tengan sabores que arruinen el plato. Así, los jurados deben ser imparciales para que el juicio sea justo.

Ejemplo Práctico

Imagina que en un juicio por robo, el abogado pregunta a un jurado potencial si alguna vez ha sido víctima de un robo. Si el jurado dice que sí, podría no ser imparcial. Entonces, el abogado puede pedir que ese jurado no participe y se elija a otro.

Texto Original del Estatuto (Inglés)

Va. Code § 19.2-262.01 - Voir dire examination of persons called as jurors. In any criminal case, the court and counsel for either party shall have the right to examine under oath any person who is called as a juror therein and shall have the right to ask such person or juror directly any relevant question to ascertain whether the juror can sit impartially in either the guilt or sentencing phase of the case. Such questions may include whether the person or juror is related to either party, has any interest in the cause, has expressed or formed any opinion, or is sensible of any bias or prejudice therein. The court and counsel for either party may inform any such person or juror as to the potential range of punishment to ascertain if the person or juror can sit impartially in the sentencing phase of the case. The party objecting to any juror may introduce competent evidence in support of the objection, and if it appears to the court that the juror does not stand indifferent in the cause, another shall be drawn or called and placed in his stead for the trial of that case. A juror, knowing anything relative to the fact in issue, shall disclose the same in open court. 2020, cc. 157 , 588 . Va. Code § 19.2-262.1 - Joinder of defendants. On motion of the Commonwealth, for good cause shown, the court shall order persons charged with participating in contemporaneous and related acts or occurrences or in a series of acts or occurrences constituting an offense or offenses, to be tried jointly unless such joint trial would constitute prejudice to a defendant. If the court finds that a joint trial would constitute prejudice to a defendant, the court shall order severance as to that defendant or provide such other relief justice requires. 1993, cc. 462, 489; 1997, c. 518 . Va. C